COMPACT-IMPACT COSTS Reimbursement of $100-M still uncertain
Despite desperate pleas from island leaders, there is no commitment yet from the Office of Insular Affairs on reimbursing the CNMI government for costs incurred in hosting migrants from Freely Associated States.
The issue has not been brought to the negotiating table, although proposals have been laid down in the ongoing talks between Washington and two of the FAS in an effort to curb impact of the migration of their citizens into U.S. soil, according to OIA Director Ferdinand Aranza.
The federal government has recommended several steps to address the impact of the Compact agreement with the Federated States of Micronesia, Republics of Marshalls and Palau on Pacific islands, particularly the CNMI, Guam and Hawaii.
The Commonwealth has spent between $80 million to $108 million in helping FAS citizens establish residency on the island since the accord, which allows them to enter freely into any U.S. jurisdiction, took effect in 1986.
While acknowledging that the issue on reimbursement has become “very important,” Mr. Aranza said there has been no discussion on any payment to mitigate the impact costs.
“That is an issue that is not quite on the table yet but as long as the governor continues to address this, [it will remain an issue],” he told reporters in a news conference at the American Memorial Park. “But right now, I can say it hasn’t been raised specifically.”
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, who was at the event to witness hand-over of some federal grants to the CNMI, underscored the need for OIA’s assistance in drawing attention to the demands for payment.
The government recently has presented testimony to the U.S. Congress, detailing all the expenditures shouldered by the Commonwealth so far, such as housing, medical and educational assistance provided to Micronesians.
“We always ask the assistance of OIA… in relaying the message to appropriate agencies if they could help us because we need additional resources in the CNMI,” Mr. Tenorio told a news conference.
The OIA director maintained that reimbursement may be part of future discussion on the re-negotiations of the agreement with FSM and the Marshalls.
Two significant terms in the Compact — economic aid and so-called “defense veto” and provisions of additional base rights, will expire by next year. Talks have been ongoing since late last year between former OIA chief, Allen P. Stayman who heads the federal panel, and officials of the two Pacific countries.
But the migration issue has been included in the agenda on the heels of mounting concerns over migration of their people into wealthier Pacific islands.
According to Mr. Aranza, proposals have come up to seek funding for the reimbursement, to improve health and education sectors in the FAS to curb their migration as well as to restrict their entry by implementing admission requirements, such as criminal background and health status.
The CNMI was home to an estimated 3,118 migrants from Marshalls, Palau and FSM in 1997, but their number is believed to have steadily increased over the years.
